Meals

14 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE: Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that’s why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city’s public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. PUBLIC BUSES: This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in the Balkans can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to older and more basic vehicles for shorter distances. PRIVATE VEHICLES: Some sections of this trip are travelled by private transport. Our vehicles are locally sourced, comfortable and mostly air conditioned, which makes travelling enjoyable. On some days we will be covering long distances, which will make these days feel longer, however spectacular views and interesting stops along the way make up for it. Private vehicle , Public bus

Guide

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES: Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges. Hotel (12 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Hostel (1 night)

Others

Kopacki Rit NP- guided tour Novi Sad - Synagogue Vukovar - Orientation Walk & Guided Hospital Visit Novi Sad - Petrovaradin Fortress Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide Belgrade- Zemun Orientation Walk Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour Mostar - Day Trip Durmitor National Park Hike Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites)

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000 Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000 Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000 Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900 Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000 Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF10000 Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) - HUF9000 Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400 Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000 Budapest - Danube Boat Trip - EUR15 Osijek - Day Trip to Kopački Rit Nature Park, Belje Winery and Etno-Village Karanac (including lunch) - EUR100 Osijek - Museum of Slavonia - EUR3 Osijek - Archaeological Museum - EUR2 Osijek - Bike Hire - EUR10 Novi Sad - Petrovaradin Fortress - Free Novi Sad - Museum of Vojvodina - RSD200 Novi Sad - City Museum - RSD500 Novi Sad - Synagogue - Free Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD350 Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum - RSD300 Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free Belgrade - St. Mark’s Church - Free Belgrade - Museum of Contemporary Art - Free Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD800 Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History - RSD400 Belgrade - House of Flowers - RSD400 Mostar - Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret - BAM15 Mostar - War Photo Exhibition - BAM6 Mostar - Old Bridge Museum - EUR5 Sarajevo - Svrzo’s House - BAM3 Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina - BAM8 Sarajevo - Gallery 11/07/95 - Free Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library - BAM10 Sarajevo - Jewish Museum - BAM3 Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque - BAM3 Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs - BAM15 Sarajevo - Despica House - BAM3 Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan - BAM3 Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum - BAM10 Sarajevo - War Tunnel - BAM10 Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40 Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5 Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4 Kotor - Fortress - EUR3 Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4 Dubrovnik - Rector’s Palace - EUR13 Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10 Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR99 Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27 Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27 Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - EUR4

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Budapest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Budapest

Szia! Welcome to Hungary. You’ll meet your leader and other members of your group this evening for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, perhaps take a stroll along the Danube River to get a feel for Budapest – the capital city with a contrast of old and new architecture. After the meeting, you might like to head out with your leader for an optional group dinner to get straight into the many local culinary delights, like the hortobagyi crepe (a stew and sour cream crepe) and matrai borzaska (deep fried pork and potato).
Day 2 Day 2: Budapest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Budapest

Today is a full free day to explore Budapest. Admire intricate carvings on buildings, cross the Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District or meander through winding streets, snacking on local delicacies. Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water, so maybe take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. Hiring a bicycle is another great way to move between the sights. Perhaps round off your day with a drink in the party district, where you’ll find plenty of ruin pubs, bars and nightclubs to choose from.
Day 3 Day 3: Kopački Rit Np
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Kopački Rit Np

Head for Kopacki Rit today – a nature park in eastern Croatia, home to the white-tailed eagle. Since the park is made up of many different waterways, like lakes and canals, we’ll take you on a guided tour of the area after you drop your belongings at your family-run accommodation. In the evening join your group for homemade dinner on the property, where you’ll be treated to live music by local traditional singers.
Day 4 Day 4: Novi Sad
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Novi Sad

Get off the tourist track today by heading to Novi Sad – the second largest city in Serbia. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish – maybe visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, which was constructed in the 17th century and used to protect the city during the Napoleonic Wars. Or you can walk around Liberty Square and take in the Neo-Renaissance architecture, perhaps finishing the day off at a carda tavern (a fish restaurant along the Danube River).
Day 5 Day 5: Belgrade
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Belgrade

After breakfast, begin your journey to Belgrade. Known as the White City, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Sitting at the confluence of two major rivers – Sava and Danube – it’s an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Here, you’ll experience a mix of progressive flamboyance and conservative customs. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s wide boulevards and squares and the green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River for centuries. Tonight, perhaps head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and enjoy the lively atmosphere in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to nightclubs.
Day 6 Day 6: Belgrade
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Belgrade

Today, make your way to the neighbourhood of Zemun. This Old Town favourite has a rich history and is now known as the bohemian part of town, home to many of the city’s artists and writers. As Zemun used to be an independent town – only joining Belgrade in 1934 – the small village atmosphere still stands, transporting you to the past. After walking the town with your leader, perhaps head to a market and explore the local wares. Stroll along the river promenade and stop for an optional lunch in one of the riverside restaurants serving fresh fish. Head back to Belgrade’s centre in the late afternoon, where you have free time to visit the imposing Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) or learn about the life of Serbia’s greatest inventor at the Nikola Tesla Museum. The city’s nightlife has become legendary throughout Europe, with several hundred floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the Danube and Sava rivers – so you’ll find the perfect way to spend your evening.
Day 7 Day 7: Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Sarajevo

Travel by bus through the beautiful countryside to Sarajevo this morning. Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s small but vibrant capital. Twenty years after the end of a devastating war, Sarajevo is slowly asserting itself as one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a city that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. When you arrive, take a guided tour for an insight into the history and culture of the city. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque all within close proximity. Tonight, perhaps sample the local specialty of bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices) in Bascarsija, Sarajevo’s old bazaar.
Day 8 Day 8: Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Sarajevo

Today head out of Sarajevo for a daytrip to Mostar, which sits in the valley in the high mountains of Herzegovina. Thanks to the Neretva river, Mostar was able to develop into a city in a barren landscape. The city was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war, but it has since been rebuilt and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head to the famous Stari Most Bridge, first built by the Ottomans in 1565 by architect Mimar Hajrudin – who succeeded with the impossible mission of crossing the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the famous bridge divers hurl themselves into the icy waters below. Return to Sarajevo in the afternoon, stopping at Konjic on the way – where you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia – Tito’s nuclear bunker. Go back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and how life used to be in the not-so-distant past.
Day 9 Day 9: Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Sarajevo

Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. Maybe take an optional daytrip to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza – the source of the Bosna River. Or discover local history with a visit to the History Museum and the Sarajevo War Tunnels (dug underneath the airport runway and used to smuggle provisions into the city during its siege). You can also learn about the tragedies faced by the city’s Jewish population at the Jewish Museum or get cultural with a stroll through the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant is a good place to sample local award-winning beer and grab some dinner.
Day 10 Day 10: Durmitor Np
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Durmitor Np

Today, you’ll ride in a private transfer through the countryside to Montenegro. Although it’s a long drive, there will be plenty of stops along the way. You might park at the bridge over Piva canyon, at the top of Kruska Mountain or at Saddle Peak viewpoint – wherever you stop, you’ll find great photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs. When you arrive at Durmitor National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that was formed by glaciers – take a hike through the lesser-explored wilderness along the shores of Black Lake and keep an eye out for some of the 163 species of bird or 50 species of mammal that roam this region. Finish your day in the nearby town of Zabljak, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 11 Day 11: Durmitor Np
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Durmitor Np

Enjoy a free day today to unwind in nature. Since Durmitor National Park is so vast, there are plenty of trails for an optional guided hike. Feel free to choose one that caters to the group’s personal tastes and fitness levels – they’ll expertly mix and match the trails to create a half day of hiking that everyone enjoys. One thing is certain – lakes, pine forests and alpine air are guaranteed for any trail combination. You can also choose to see the park from behind handlebars by hiring a bike and riding into town and on the trails, or by walking to and renting a boat at Black Lake.
Day 12 Day 12: Kotor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Kotor

Today, drive to Kotor – this 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a coastline dotted with waterside towns. When you arrive, maybe head out to see the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tryphun, the South Gates of Kotor (the Gurdich Gate) and the Armoury Square (Trg od oruzija). You might like to get lost in the alleyways, check out the boutiques and cafes or climb the hills behind the city to visit Kotor’s ruined fortification walls. Take an optional hike up the stone steps, past churches, gates and bastions to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan – the top rewards you with views across the town and the Bay of Kotor.
Day 13 Day 13: Kotor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Kotor

You can take an optional daytrip out of Kotor today. Maybe take a cruise on Kotor Fjord, visiting the twin islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and Sveti Dordje (St George), with its church in the middle of the bay. Legend has it that sailors once spotted an image of the Virgin Mary on a rock here and each time they completed a successful voyage, they added another rock as an offering. Eventually, so many were added that an island emerged, and the church was built on top of it. Alternatively, consider a trip to Budva. With its busy beaches, charming Old Town, busy restaurants and bars, Budva is like Montenegro’s little version of Miami. For more history, head up to Montenegro’s former capital Cetinje – now a laidback village with grand mansions that were once used as embassies. Enjoy a final night out in Kotor and maybe catch some live music that keeps the cobbled streets thriving.
Day 14 Day 14: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Dubrovnik

Depart Montenegro this morning and travel along the beautiful southern coast of Croatia to Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town is often referred to as the pearl of the Adriatic and it’s now famed for its role in ‘Game of Thrones’. When you arrive, walk along the high city walls with your leader, enjoying ocean views. Visit Big Onofrio’s Fountain – built by the European architect Onofrio Della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city. After, maybe check out the 13th-century Franciscan monastery or the Sponza and Rector’s Palaces, the only Renaissance buildings in the city to survive a devastating earthquake and fire in 1667. As it is the last night of your trip, maybe enjoy one last meal with the group and toast to your adventures.
Day 15 Day 15: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Dubrovnik

Today, your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you can depart at any time. There’s lots to see and do here in Dubrovnik, so if you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

+12

15 days tour

Balkan Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Balkan Adventure

Day 1: Budapest

Day 2: Budapest

Day 3: Kopački Rit Np

Day 4: Novi Sad

Day 5: Belgrade

Day 6: Belgrade

Day 7: Sarajevo

Day 8: Sarajevo

Day 9: Sarajevo

Day 10: Durmitor Np

Day 11: Durmitor Np

Day 12: Kotor

Day 13: Kotor

Day 14: Dubrovnik

Day 15: Dubrovnik

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